Other ABC News Sites

Mining industry says reforms will attract investment

Mining, oil and gas industry says changes to Fair Work rules around new projects will stimulate investment

The resources industry says a bill introduced into Parliament to make changes to the Fair Work Act (FWA) will stimulate investment in mining, oil and gas.

The bill is expected to lead to changes to the way negotiations are conducted in relation to 'green fields' projects - projects that are still on the drawing board and yet to be developed.

Industry lobby group, the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA), says since the ALP made changes to these negotiations in 2007, onerous conditions and wage claims by unions have made new projects in Australia globally uncompetitive.

Executive director of policy, Scott Barklamb says the reforms will restore common sense and balance in the workplace relations system.

"The resource industry has always been heavily exposed to global competitive pressures and we were the first sector to raise serious concerns with the previous government's Fair Work framework," Mr Barklamb said.

"With unemployment reaching 6 per cent and other areas of our economy becoming similarly globalised and facing business closures and job losses the reforms are urgently needed."

The ABC has contacted unions representing resource workers for comment.